Oxalis (Oxalis triangularis) is a beginner-friendly plant that needs only a simple routine. Deep purple, butterfly-like leaves that open and fold with the light. Produces dainty pink-white flowers.
Buy this plant online from our store, and use this guide for everything from light and watering to common problems and propagation.
Table of Contents
Why Choose This Plant?
Key benefits: unique moving leaves, colourful. Place it on a bright windowsill to watch the leaves open in the day and fold at night.
This plant is a beginner-friendly plant that needs only a simple routine, and it stays a manageable size: a mature plant reaches about 20-30 cm. Good spots include: windowsill, desk.
Every plant we ship is healthy, well rooted and supplied in a nursery pot, so you can start growing it as soon as it arrives.
Plant Details at a Glance
- Botanical name: Oxalis triangularis
- Also known as: False Shamrock
- Care level: Easy
- Mature size: 20-30 cm
- Best placement: Windowsill, desk
- Light: Bright indirect
- Watering: Every 4-5 days; keep lightly moist
- Pet safety: Toxic
Oxalis Care Guide
Light Requirements
Light requirement: bright indirect. Place it about a metre from a bright window, away from harsh afternoon sun that can scorch the leaves. Rotate the pot every couple of weeks so every side gets even light and the plant grows straight.
Watering Schedule
Recommended watering: every 4-5 days; keep lightly moist. Always check the soil with a finger before watering: if the top 2-3 cm is still damp, wait a few more days. Water thoroughly until it drains from the holes, then empty the saucer. Reduce watering in winter, when growth slows.
Soil and Potting Mix
Recommended mix: Well-draining mix: 40% garden soil, 30% cocopeat, 20% vermicompost, 10% perlite. Choose a pot only 2-3 cm wider than the root ball, with drainage holes. Repot every one to two years in spring or early monsoon, when roots start circling the pot or growing out of the holes.
Fertilizer and Feeding
Diluted organic liquid feed or 1 tbsp vermicompost every 4-6 weeks in growing season (Mar-Sep); none in winter. Always water the plant before feeding, and never apply more than the recommended amount.
Temperature and Climate
Ideal temperature range: 18-32?C. Indoor plants enjoy the same temperatures we do. Keep it away from air-conditioner vents, heaters and cold drafts, and avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause leaf drop.
How to Propagate It at Home
Separate the small bulb-like tubers when repotting and plant them 2-3 cm deep. New shoots appear in a few weeks.
Propagating is a simple, low-cost way to fill more pots or share plants with friends and family.
Common Oxalis Problems and Solutions
The most common issue is goes dormant in heat; this is normal. Our pro tip: if it dies back, reduce water and it regrows.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks and check the undersides for mealybugs and spider mites. If you spot pests, spray a mild neem oil solution every 7-10 days until they are gone.
Where to Place It and Pet Safety
Best spots: windowsill, desk. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children, and contact a vet if any part is chewed or swallowed.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one live, healthy plant in a nursery pot, packed securely to arrive in good condition. Plants are natural products, so leaf size, shape and pattern can vary slightly from the photos.
To keep it thriving, we suggest pairing it with: potting mix + vermicompost + perlite from our store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my oxalis die back?
Oxalis goes dormant in extreme heat or cold. Reduce watering, keep the pot in a cool, bright spot and new growth usually returns.
How often should I water this plant?
Our recommended schedule: every 4-5 days; keep lightly moist. Always adjust to the season and check the soil first.
Is this plant good for beginners?
This plant is a beginner-friendly plant that needs only a simple routine. Follow the care guide above and you should see steady growth.
Want to learn more about the botany? Read the Oxalis triangularis overview on Wikipedia.
Explore more indoor plants in our store, or pair this plant with Chinese Money Plant (Pilea) and Snake Plant.
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